Interior Shutter Myths Debunked
We’ve busted a few shutter myths in the past. On our last myth-debunking spree, we exposed a few common misunderstandings people have regarding interior shutters in St. George.
Well, the Sunburst Shutters St. George experts are back to correct the record on a couple more myths we’ve heard from people in and around Utah. Let’s get started.
Myth #1: “Plantation Shutters Only Work In Southern Houses.”
When some people see the name “plantation shutters,” they typically conjure the image of a huge, elegant southern mansion surrounded by hills. Although it’s true that they are named for that particular place and time, plantation shutters were seen commonly in homes much earlier and much later than 19th Century Southern America.
However, plantation shutters offer those exact same benefits to any home, no matter its style or location. Craftsman style houses can utilize shutters, just as Victorian homes, Prairie houses, and even beach houses can.
Myth#2: “My House Style Won’t Work With Shutters Is Too Eclectic For Shutters.”
Because plantation shutters saw so much use over time, some homeowners may have gotten the impression that shutters might look somewhat stale. We’ve worked with a customer previously who claimed that their space was “too eclectic” for shutters, which was a big head-scratcher–since shutters are just about the only window treatment that can match any style.
Myth #3: “Blinds And Shutters Are Pretty Much The Same Thing.”
For some reason, there’s some confusion over the difference between blinds and shutters. It might have to do with the confusion between “slats” and “louvers,” or it’s the similarity in shape that causes the confusion. No matter the reason, shutters and blinds are pretty easy to distinguish when you look at their features. Here’s the basic breakdown of the battle of blinds vs. shutters.
| What’s the difference? | Blinds | Shutters |
| Are able to block out whole window134 | No | Yes |
| Structure | Dangles from cord | Solid frame attached to window frame |
| Lifetime | Usually wear down or fall apart after 2-3 years. | Will easily last 20+ years. |
| Permanent or temporary? | Temporary | Permanent |
| Increases home value | No | Yes |
| Energy Efficiency | Minimal | Can block up to 50% of heat from the sun. |
| Can they fit specialty windows? | No | Yes. |
| What are the horizontal parts called? | Slats | Louvers |
Myth #4: “All window coverings offer basically the same energy efficiency.”
Like the “Blinds vs. Shutters” table above mentions, window treatments can vary by a wide margin on how energy efficient they are. The structure, material, and construction can all have a big impact in how much energy efficiency a window treatment offers.
At the bottom rung of energy efficiency is leaving your window completely bare. Offering only a tiny bit more energy efficiency are your everyday retail aluminum blinds. More energy efficient than those are drapes and sturdy fabric window coverings. Getting into somewhat noticeable territory are most wood shutters and cellular shades, made to offer sun-blocking protection and temperature reduction. But the real king of the hill in energy efficiency is Polywood plantation shutters, designed to both reflect and block heat from the sun from moving through your window.
No More Shutter Myths
If you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of misinformation about window treatments, we want to toss you a lifeline. Call Sunburst Shutters St. George today at 435-485-9332 to talk to one of our pros and set up a free in-home consultation to find your perfect shutter or window treatment today.
